Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Pages: 20. Chapters: Alea, Argolis, Alifeira, Amilos, Argeathoi, Asea, Greece, Caphyae, Charisia, Cynaetha, Enispe, Gortyna, Arcadia, Helisson, Kaous, Kaphya, Karyai (ancient city), Lousoi, Lycosura, Mantineia, Megalopolis, Greece, Melangeia, Melpeia, Methydrio, Nonakris, Orchomenus (Arcadia), Oresthasium, Oryx (ancient city), Paroria (ancient city), Pelagos, Arcadia, Phigalia, Phoezon, Psophis, Rhipe, Seires, Skias, Stratie, Tegea, Teuthis, Thelpusa, Thoknia, Thyraion, Trapezus, Arcadia, Zoetia. Excerpt: Lycosura (Greek, Ancient:, Modern: Palaeokastro or Siderokastro) was a city of Arcadia said by Pausanias to be the oldest city in the world, though there is no evidence for its existence before the fourth century BCE. Its current significance is chiefly associated with the sanctuary of the goddess Despoina, which contained a colossal sculptural group perhaps made by Damophon of Messene; this group comprises acrolithic-technique statues of Despoina and Demeter seated on a throne, with statues of Artemis and the Titan Anytus standing on either side of them - all in Pentelic marble. The dates of both the temple and the sculptural group have occasioned some dispute. Remains of a stoa, altars and other structures have also been found. The Sanctuary of Despoina at Lycosoura is located 9 km WSW of Megalopolis, 6.9 km SSE of Mt. Lykaion, and 160 km SW of Athens. There is a small museum at the archaeological site housing small finds as well as part of the cult group, while the remains of the cult statues of Despoina and Demeter are displayed at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. View SW from inside the Stoa toward the temple of Despoina.The chthonic goddess worshiped by the Arcadians under the title Despoina (: the Mistress), later conflated with Kore, was originally considered to be the daughter of Poseidon Hippios and Demeter, rather than of Zeus and Demeter as was Kore. Her real name could not be revealed to anyone except those initiated to her mysteries at Lycosura; this name is consequently unknown. In the 2nd century CE, the Greek periegetic writer Pausanias, relying on personal observations, available texts and consultation with local persons, wrote the only extant account of the city and its sanctuary. He relates that Lycosura was founded by Lycaon the son of Pelasgus, and that it was the oldest city in the world. He notes that Cleitor, the grandson of Arcas (hence the toponym Arcadia), dwelled in Lycosura. In 368/7 BCE, when many cities